Yoane Wissa has officially been announced as a Newcastle United player, and there is one former star fans should be thanking.
Judging on how the rest of the transfer window went, there was always going to be some sort of drama on deadline day.
Yoane Wissa is officially a Newcastle United player, but it is believed that the deal was not fully completed until 30 seconds before the deadline, and that comes even after a deal sheet was put in by the club.
Even if they left it late, the Magpies have secured a sensational player in Wissa. In the announcement, Eddie Howe shared that Newcastle had been tracking Wissa for a while, so the 47-year-old has secured yet another one of his long-term targets this summer.
The 28-year-old has signed a four-year deal with Newcastle, and in his first interview, he shared who was desperate to see him make the move.
Yoane Wissa poses with a football upon signing for Newcastle United.
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Chancel Mbemba told Yoane Wissa to join Newcastle United from Brentford
Newcastle have a lot of depth up front following the conclusion of the transfer window, which is a surprise given the fact just a few days ago Howe had to play William Osula at striker against Leeds United.
Wissa follows Nick Woltemade through the doors on Tyneside, where the pair could create a sensational big man, little man partnership at St James’ Park. Throughout the summer, Wissa was desperate to join Newcastle, and it could be down to a conversation he had with former Toon defender Chancel Mbemba.
Mbemba is one of just four Congolese players to have signed for the club before Wissa’s arrival, having joined under Steve McClaren in 2015. Now 31, Mbemba followed in Wissa’s footsteps by making a deadline day move elsewhere, joining Ligue 1 side Lille.
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During his first full interview with the club, Wissa shared Mbemba’s influence on the deal and his memories of Newcastle growing up.
“(I used to think of) Alan Shearer, Demba Ba, Papiss Cisse, the duo,” he said.
“Especially in France, it was crazy become they come from Africa, so I’m really proud.
“I spoke as well with Chancel Mbemba, who has been here (at Newcastle). He wanted to make it happen because he really enjoyed here.
“The black and white is something I really wanted since day one.”
Papiss Cisse sends message to Yoane Wissa after Newcastle United move
Wissa joins Newcastle with substantial Premier League experience. Having joined Brentford in 2021, Wissa has already played over 100 Premier League games, so he knows what it takes to play in such a competitive league.
The 28-year-old has taken the No.9 shirt on Tyneside, following in the footsteps of Callum Wilson, who wore the number from 2021 until his exit in July.
Another player to wear the famous number at Newcastle was Papiss Cisse, and to celebrate Wissa’s achievement, the former Toon striker sent a video message to him.
“Hello Yoane Congratulations for your signing,” he said.
“I wish you all the best and good luck, and I hope you’re going to enjoy your season.”
“The one thing I can tell you, you are going to get amazing support from the Newcastle fans because they are amazing, black and white Geordie boys, now you are a Geordie boy.
“I wish you all of the best for your season. Good luck, take care brother.”